Dentures

You know what dentures are, but do you know more of the science and reasoning behind them? They can be used to replace one, some, or all of your missing teeth. They aren’t just for looks, but they’re also used to support facial muscles and lips by keeping them from sagging and receding. The visible effects you experience are:

A younger look

Improved speech

Ability to eat healthier foods

If you care for them properly, dentures can last several years. As your mouth ages, it naturally changes shape. As a result, your dentures may need to be relined, remade, or rebased.

Dentures are typically recommended when you have lost, or are about to lose, all of your teeth as a result of disease, decay, injury, or surgery.

What Types of Dentures are There?

You have the ability to choose from two different types of dentures:

Conventional. These are fabricated and placed in your mouth after most or all teeth have been removed and the underlying tissues have healed. If some of your teeth require extraction, your mouth will need to heal for several months before dentures can be implemented.

Immediate. These are placed in a patient’s mouth as soon as all teeth are removed. In order for them to work, you must have all the teeth in your mouth removed right away. Their primary purpose is to provide you with teeth until conventional dentures can be implemented.

Implant supported. Implant supported dentures are a type of full overdenture that is secured in place by dental implants instead of just resting on the gums as conventional dentures. Although implant supported dentures can be used in either the lower or upper jaw, typically, upper jaw dentures require a greater number of denture implants for adequate support.

How Does the Process Work?

After your dentist has examined your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure, your dentist will discuss the findings with you. If dentures are determined to be the best treatment, you can expect the following:

In most cases, you will need at least some oral surgery to prepare your mouth. Some teeth may require extraction, or the bony ridge of your gums may require improvement to provide your dentures with the best stability.

Putty-like material is used to make an impression of the arches in your mouth. You may need to come back for an appointment in order to fine tune the color, shape, and fit of your dentures.

You will need to stop in for an annual check-up. If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms, it’s important to reduce inflammation or shrinkage of the supporting bone and tissues so that your dentures continue to fit your mouth.

If you believe you need dentures, schedule an appointment with Dr. David Hazzouri by calling 570-961-6030.